Origin

This character combines two parts to express the idea of valuing or holding something in high regard. The top component suggests reaching upward or elevation, while the bottom part (a squared frame) represents something contained or enclosed. Together, they create the sense of lifting up or holding something in esteem—treating it as valuable enough to elevate. Over time, this core meaning of "esteem" extended to related senses like "furthermore" or "still," where the idea of continuing to hold or maintain something became prominent. The character essentially pictures the act of honoring or prioritizing something by raising it up.

AI-generated (claude-haiku-4-5), not yet reviewed. Formation type (automated guess): Compound ideographic (combined meanings).